Method
Dopamine menu
A pre-planned list of healthy dopamine sources you reach for instead of scrolling.
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The ADHD brain will seek dopamine anyway — give it a menu of better options prepared in advance.
- List activities by category: starters (2 min: cold water, a favourite track), mains (a walk, a workout, a hobby), desserts (in moderation: a game, a show), specials (something rare).
- Keep the menu at hand (a card, a note) — in a craving moment you don’t invent, you pick from the list.
- Combine with asking yourself: what do I actually need right now?
Helps with
Resources & links
1 sourceWhat the research says
Scientific grade verified against the literature. No entries = no direct studies (graded from mechanism/experience).
- Dopamine menus: the science behind the trend – and how it might help people with ADHD (The Conversation)study · 2024
- Cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD predominantly inattentive presentation: RCT of two psychological treatments (CADDI)RCT · 2025
- The efficacy of physical exercise interventions on mental health, cognitive function, and ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents with ADHD: an umbrella reviewmeta-analysis · 2023
- Engaging in physical activity instead of (over)using the smartphone: an experimental investigation of lifestyle interventions to prevent problematic smartphone useRCT · 2023
What the grade means
A A — strongest evidence: meta-analyses or RCTs directly confirm it works (or, for diagnostic tools, strong validation of accuracy).
B B — good evidence: a single RCT, or a strong mechanism with supporting studies.
C C — weak / preliminary: a plausible mechanism, but few direct, controlled tests.
D D — no evidence: theory or isolated anecdotes, no studies.
Applies to: ADHD